When you’re living in Delhi, the constant rush makes you crave quick, peaceful getaways – and that’s exactly what we were looking for. We wanted a destination that wasn’t overly commercialized, somewhere calm, scenic, and refreshing. Lansdowne turned out to be just perfect. Tucked away in the Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand, this quaint hill station is known for its old-world charm, clean surroundings, and strong presence of the Indian Army, which keeps the area beautifully maintained and disciplined.

Our stay was at Sterling Valley of Pine Lansdowne, a newly launched boutique retreat by Sterling. Marking their ninth property in Uttarakhand, this resort is nestled amidst dense pine forests near Gumkhal. From the moment we arrived, it felt like we had stepped into a slower, more peaceful world.

We started early from Delhi, and the drive to Lansdowne took us around 6 hours. The journey itself was quite comfortable, especially once we entered the hilly stretches with winding roads and lush greenery all around. As we got closer to the property, the air felt fresher, the surroundings quieter, and the entire vibe instantly relaxing.

Upon arrival at the resort, we were welcomed with a refreshing glass of Rhododendron sharbat, which was so energizing. The check-in process was smooth and seamless, and we also had the chance to meet the warm and welcoming General Manager, Mr. Birendra, who made sure our stay was comfortable throughout.

We were then escorted to our Valley View Premier Room with Terrace, and honestly, the first impression itself was enough to make us fall in love with the space.

The room was spacious, thoughtfully designed, and had a warm, premium feel thanks to the pinewood-inspired interiors. It featured a comfortable king-size bed with plush bedding, large wardrobe for storage, a television, mini fridge, and even a smart ceiling fan – something you don’t usually notice but definitely appreciate.

There was also a cozy seating area with two comfortable chairs and a table, making it perfect for relaxing indoors.


But the highlight of the room was undoubtedly the terrace.

The expansive private terrace overlooked the valley and the main garden area. It was huge – far bigger than what you’d expect and felt like a personal outdoor lounge. Whether it was sipping chai in the morning, soaking in the sunset, or just enjoying the cool breeze, this terrace added a whole new dimension to the stay. It’s the kind of space that makes you want to slow down and truly enjoy the moment.

The bathroom was equally well-maintained, fitted with all essential and premium amenities, clean fittings, and a comfortable layout.

After settling in, we ordered some chai and Maggi, which felt like the perfect hill-station ritual. Sitting in the room, enjoying hot tea with that cool mountain air outside, it was exactly the break we needed.

Sterling Valley of Pine is not just about rooms. The resort is surrounded by lush greenery, and every corner feels thoughtfully planned to blend with nature.

One of the standout features is the Swimming Pool overlooking the valley. The view from here is stunning, and it’s the kind of place where you’d want to spend a lazy afternoon just soaking in the surroundings.

There is also a Wellness Block featuring steam and sauna facilities, perfect for unwinding after a long day of travel or sightseeing.

We explored Sky Social, the resort’s open-to-sky terrace. This space is designed for sunset gatherings, bonfire evenings, and small celebrations. With panoramic views and a relaxed vibe, it’s easy to imagine how lively and beautiful this place would be during an evening event.

Another interesting space is Sky Vista, a glass-walled conference venue overlooking the valley and forests. It’s ideal for corporate offsites, workshops, or even intimate gatherings, offering a unique mix of work and nature.

What really stood out was how the entire property is designed to create meaningful, unhurried experiences whether it’s through food, views, or shared moments.

All our meals were at Lans Café, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant.

The cafe itself is beautifully designed with pinewood interiors across the ceilings and walls, giving it a warm and cozy mountain feel. It opens out into a landscaped garden, allowing for relaxed open-air dining with valley views in the background.

Our first dinner started with a comforting Mix Vegetable Soup, which was light yet flavorful perfect for the cool weather.

For starters, we had Tandoori Chicken and Paneer Tikka. Both were well-marinated and cooked just right, with that smoky tandoor flavour coming through beautifully.

The main course included Kadai Chicken, Paneer Do Pyaza, Dal Tadka, Steamed Rice, and assorted breads. Both the chicken and paneer were rich and aromatic. The dal was simple but comforting, tying the entire meal together.


For desserts, we had Gulab Jamun and ice cream, ending the meal on a warm, indulgent note.


The second evening began with Chicken Delight Soup, which was hearty and satisfying.


The starters included Chicken Tikka and Paneer Tikka, both consistently good in flavour and preparation.

For mains, we had Paneer Makhani, Chicken Curry, Mix Veg, Dal Dhaba, Steamed Rice, and assorted breads. The Paneer Makhani was creamy and mildly sweet, while the Chicken Curry had a homely, comforting taste. The Dal Dhaba stood out with its rich, earthy flavour.


Breakfast at Lans Café was a great way to start the day.

The spread included cereals like Choco Flakes and Corn Flakes with milk, fresh cut fruits, juices, idli with sambar, masala poha, parathas, tea, coffee, chicken sausages, and boiled eggs.


Everything was fresh and satisfying, offering a good mix of Indian and continental options. It wasn’t overly elaborate, but it had everything you’d need for a wholesome start.

Despite being a small hill station, Lansdowne offers quite a few experiences.

Our first stop during sightseeing was the Army Museum, which showcases the history of the Garhwal Rifles. It was fascinating to see antique weapons, uniforms, and war memorabilia. The discipline and pride associated with the Army presence here are truly admirable.


The garden outside the museum is also very well-maintained, making it a peaceful spot to walk around.


We visited St. Mary’s Church and St. John’s Church, both of which reflect colonial-era architecture and offer a serene atmosphere.

Tip N Top was another highlight, offering panoramic views of the Garhwal hills with glimpses of the Himalayan range in the distance. The view here is breathtaking, especially during clear weather.

One of the most memorable experiences was our visit to Shri Takdeshwar Dham Temple.

Located around 2 hours from the resort, the journey itself is scenic, passing through dense forests. The temple is nestled amidst towering Deodar and Pine trees, creating a truly magical setting.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is considered a powerful Siddha Peeth. The moment you reach, there’s an overwhelming sense of calm and spirituality. The silence, broken only by the sound of wind through the trees, makes it incredibly peaceful.

We spent a good amount of time here, just sitting and soaking in the atmosphere. It’s definitely a must-visit if you’re in Lansdowne.

Another stop was Bhulla Tal Lake, a small, well-maintained man-made lake.

It’s a popular picnic spot with walking paths, a play area for kids, boating facilities, and fountains. While it’s not very large, it’s a nice place to spend some relaxed time, especially if you’re traveling with family.

One of the most exciting parts of our trip was visiting the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, which is part of the larger Jim Corbett National Park.

Spread across approximately 300 sq km, this area (also known as the Sonanadi or Pakhro zone) is less crowded, making the experience more raw and peaceful.

The safari was thrilling – we spotted a wide variety of wildlife including blackbuck, nilgai, sambar deer, kingfisher birds, monitor lizards, owls, peacocks, elephants, and red junglefowl.

While we didn’t spot a tiger, the experience didn’t feel incomplete at all. The lush forest, the sounds of nature, and the excitement of spotting animals in their natural habitat made it completely worth it.

The weather added to the experience. It was cool, pleasant, and perfect for a safari.

In short, our stay at Sterling Valley of Pine Lansdowne turned out to be exactly what we were looking for – a peaceful, refreshing escape not too far from Delhi.

From the spacious rooms and stunning terrace views to the warm hospitality, comforting food, and well-designed spaces like Sky Social and Lans Cafe, everything came together beautifully.

Lansdowne itself, with its quiet charm, Army presence, and scenic beauty, makes for a perfect short getaway.

If you’re looking for a destination where you can slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a comfortable stay with great views and thoughtful experiences, this is definitely a place to consider.

We came back feeling relaxed, refreshed, and already planning our next visit.